place between the 10th and 11th century. From the abundant representations of marine animals, the site seems to be in close relationship with hunter-fishers attributed to the Neolithic era (between 8000 BP and 3500 BP). Consequently, the Bangudae site has the most ancient evidence of whaling worldwide and is considered highly important not only as a first whaling representation, but also for understanding prehistoric maritime culture in the northern Pacific area. Preservation concerns The Sayeon Dam, built from 1962 to 1965 and expanded between 1999 and 2002, helps supply Ulsan with drinking water but has caused the rocks on which the petroglyphs are carved to be flooded for about eight months of every year. This periodic flooding raises concerns of erosion and water damage of the rock-art motifs, which are considered to be masterpieces of prehistoric art and an invaluable source of prehistoric information. The government of Korea is considering building a polycarbonate “dam” to protect the rock faces. See also Prehistoric Korea Jeulmun pottery period Mumun pottery period List of South Korean tourist attractions National Treasure (South Korea) References Kim, Won-yong. Art and Archaeology of Ancient Korea. Taekwang, Seoul, 1986. Nelson, Sarah M. The Archaeology of Korea. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1993, pp. 154. Jang Seog-Ho, Iconological Research of the Petroglyph of Daegok-Ri, National Treasure No. 285, 2007, http://digital.kyobobook.co.kr/kyobobook/articleDetail.laf?category=006&barcode=4010021593917 Korean Rock Art III, Ulsan Petroglyph Museum, 2013 External links Facebook page Petroglyphs Archaeological sites in South Korea Early Korean history National Treasures of South Korea Tourist attractions in Ulsan World Heritage Tentative List